Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray said the project “will help us continue to celebrate the rich natural and cultural history of the Blackstone Valley while providing economic development for surrounding communities.”

The lieutenant governor thanked public, private and legislative partners for their efforts to get the project under way.

Once completed, Massachusetts’ section will cover 28.5 miles. Segment 1 will begin at the Rhode Island state line and extend through Blackstone, Millville and Uxbridge, a 4.2-mile stretch.

“Today is the culmination of a vision that dates back three decades, and, once completed, this greenway will be enjoyed for generations,” Rick Sullivan, state secretary of energy and environmental affairs, said.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation and Department of Transportation together planned and designed the Massachusetts portion of the greenway. In 1996, a study undertaken by the two agencies produced a plan for seven segments of trail.